Would you like to grow your own native plants at home? In this two-part series, join the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Somerset County to learn about the importance of native plants and how easy it is to grow them from seed then incorporate them in the home landscape. Both sessions will take place at the […]
Written by Mary P., Rutgers Master Gardener of Somerset County Ilex verticillata, commonly known as winterberry, is a deciduous, clumping, multi- stemmed holly native to eastern North America. It is noted for its berries, has an upright-rounded shape and usually grows 6 – 12’ tall and wide. It is adaptable to light and heavy soils but prefers […]
Written by Mary P., Rutgers Master Gardener of Somerset County Conifers are about 300 million years old. They grow in many different climates on all the continents except Antarctica. There are over 600 species of conifers, all woody – mostly trees, but some are shrubs. The most common growth form is a single erect trunk […]
Written by Lorna F., Rutgers Master Gardener of Somerset County Edibles Garden spotlight: Companion Planting Companion planting seeks to grow plants together in the garden that may: benefit each other, repel insect pests from the garden, and/or attract pollinator and beneficial insects to the garden. A classic example of companion planting is known as The Three Sisters. This Native/indigenous method of growing food combines corn, beans, and squash together. Corn stalks provide support […]
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Written by Shona E., Rutgers Master Gardener of Somerset County In the Fall of 2023, the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Somerset County Native Plant Team added a fifth bed to their plots in the RMGSC Teaching Garden. The 8’ x 45’ space is in a very wet area. The Native Plant Team was happy to […]
Written by Mary P., Rutgers Master Gardener of Somerset County Lindera benzoin is not a fussy plant and is noted for its adaptability. It can grow in sun to full shade, acidic or slightly alkaline pH, clay, loam or sandy soil. It prefers moist loamy soil in partial shade. In all cases, moist, well drained […]
Ellen Locker ’20, Karen MacNaul ‘22 In 2023 and 2024, the Rutgers Master Gardener Native Plant Team Hiking team hiked, sleuthed, identified, photographed, catalogued and researched fun facts on native plants found in Duke Island Park (DIP), part of the Somerset County Park Commission (SCPC) system in Bridgewater. The team identified 75 native plants, of […]
Written by R.P. R., Rutgers Master Gardener of Somerset County Grow bags aren’t a new concept. Ancient Egyptians would weave plant baskets and the Greeks used woven containers on their rooftop gardens as they could be easily moved. Many British gardeners have long used grow bags as an alternative to planting directly into greenhouse soil. […]
Written by Mousumi P., Rutgers Master Gardener of Somerset County With spring right around the corner, it’s a great time check out all the colorful seed catalogs and seed packets for this year’s garden. But with seemingly endless plant options for vegetables and flowers, where to begin? Seed catalogs and packets aren’t just beautiful to […]
